Miami Heat thank The Bahamas for its hospitality

Miami Heat “King” LeBron James speaks with local and international media about the training camp and expectations for the upcoming NBA season. The team arrived Monday, September 30; the camp ends October 3 at the Atlantis, Paradise Island. BIS PHOTO: DEREK SMITH

The NBA Champions Miami Heat thanked The Bahamas and specifically the Ministry of Tourism Sports Department for the warm welcome and providing first class facilities for the team’s pre-season training camp.

The Atlantis Imperial Ballroom has been transformed into a basketball court with added equipment to enhance the training regimen of the players from October 1 to 3, 2013.

The team arrived Monday, September 30, to warm Bahamian hospitality complemented by a contingent of the Junkanoo group, the Commandos.

Dwayne Wade, the 6ft 4 guard, said the team did not expect such a welcome and they do not take anything for granted.

“They built my fantasy camp. We thank Atlantis and the Ministry of Tourism for having us here. We came down here to work as well as refresh our minds but the biggest thing is that they gave us a great place to work and we are going to do that,” said Wade.

“We come from Miami and it is not too far, but it is the second time we've left Miami for practice. So we are just here to get away from everything a little bit, be around each other as a group."

He described training camp as a different level of intensity and focus.

About the Junkanoo performance upon their arrival Monday night at the Odyssey Aviation, Wade said: “It was awesome. It was great. I was wondering how long they were going to keep on dancing. They are in unbelievable shape.”

LeBron James, a forward at 6ft 8 said the defense commitment is still there and that the training camp should get their bodies back in shape.

“The message (to us) was represent Miami Heat with professional class. Represent yourselves and your families with the utmost respect and when we step out on the floor we protect each other at all cost,” he said.

As to the challenge, James said a player has to be able to police himself and not give it all on day one, to get burnt out.

“We want to get back into the rhythm of things. We know the system but we want to go where we work our habits and maintain focus. Training can be great. It gives us the opportunity to get back into the flow of things, get everything back in order and go from there,” he said.

He observed that the court created at Atlantis was the same they are used to and that the reception received upon their arrival was great.

“To be welcomed with open arms it was cool," he said. "We are humbled by it.”